Rapids Top Dragons in OT

Schul’s OT goal spurs Rapids to region final

Hannah Schul, James River, 10/30/07

by Stephen M. Lewis
DigitalSports Richmond

James River coach Slade Gormus had played the Central Region field hockey semifinal in her mind several times.

From 1 to 4:30 in the morning, to be exact.

“I never completely got the outcome,” Gormus said, “but I felt OK.”

Her Rapids would be fine, as Hannah Schul ended a terrific contest in overtime, leading James River to a 2-1 victory over Maggie Walker GS Tuesday night.

The Rapids advance to Thursday’s Central Region final to face Thomas Dale, a 1-0 winner over L.C. Bird.

The OT period started in the Green Dragons’ favor, as they took the coin toss and took the ball deep into James River’s territory.

Hannah Schul scored the game-winning goal as the Rapids upended the Green Dragons 2-1.

“That’s all I thought every time, just get it out of there,” Gormus said.

JR listened as Grace Herbert (six saves) made a few good saves to help the Rapids speedsters turn the table on the Green Dragons in the 7-on-7 affair.

Just like that, the Rapids were on their third corner in a row. It was fatal for Maggie Walker.

“We were working the ball down the field really well,” Schul said. “We forced the corner. Jenna [Taylor] took a shot and I got it right at the short corner. I knew I just had to go for the corners because the goalie was right in the middle. So I just took my time, sent it wide and it went in.”

The heartbreaking OT goal was a common occurence that the Green Dragons had handle well. But you get burned when you play with fire.

Amarachi Eseonu (far left) was a force for the Green Dragons. Elle Donnini (1) scored MWGS’ only goal.

James River had 13 corners to Maggie Walker’s three, but the Rapids only managed two goals.

“That says something about our defense,” Maggie Walker coach Paige Hawkins said. “It was our best defensive game of the year. It really was. My midfield defense was outstanding. When you can shut their right side down, I think you have a pretty good showing.”

The Green Dragons went ahead early, as Elle Donnini struck from about 20 feet out.

Her shot ricocheted off Lauren Traudt‘s stick and beat Herbert. Gormus immediately called timeout.

“I immediately told her to turn the page and move on,” Gormus said. “I just felt like their were going to comeback.”

They did about 10 minutes later, as Taylor laid a beautiful cross in front of the goal.

Evans Martin scored in the open goal as Sarah Burcher couldn’t make one of her 15 saves.

From then on, it was a tight, fast-paced match that unpartial observers didn’t want anyone to lose.

“I just felt like it was a back and forth game,” Hawkins said. “Sort of like a tennis match. We were ready. They gave me 110 percent and I can’t ask for more.”

James River 1 0 1 – 2
M. Walker 1 0 0 – 1
JR: Martin, Schul
MW: Donnini
Saves: Herbert (JR) 6; Burcher (MW) 15
Records: James River (16-2-1); Maggie Walker (17-3)

Evans Martin scored off a nice cross from Jenna Taylor to tie the contest at 1.